our firm foundation - webs 2005/aug 2005.pdf · part 3 vance ferrell 9 nine steps for a successful...
TRANSCRIPT
OurFirmFoundationThe Seventh-day Sabbath Christ Our Righteousness The Immutable Law of God
The Non-Immortality of the Soul The Three Angels’ Messages The Sanctuary
Volume 20, Number 8 August 2005
BrotherlyLove
Needed
EditorialJoe Olson
“And the world passeth away, and the lust there-of: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:17.
Just as this verse indicates, all of this world—its vanities, sins, structures, hopes and dreams, shall pass away, as in a moment. All that people live for, prepare for—it is all going to perish.
Our focuses are all wrong. We are ever so slowly, but steadily, moving toward our own end, if not the end of the world. Yet, how much time do we devote to our eternal interests? Truly, if we come up to the end and we still have our property and baubles of this world, we will indeed throw them to the bats and moles.
and is, with his deceptions, with his mesmerizing mind manipulations!
his hands. Just like Eve, we listen, rather than running away to God for His protection and advice. If
from God, caught up in some “dar-ling sin,” just maybe he can get you thinking Christ’s coming is not as close as it really is.
Maybe he can convince us that
Prophecy and that we will recog-nize the event unfolding and will commit our all then, right in the nick of time.
It reminds me of a plan I had devised as a small child. There must have been something I saw in the news or heard about relat-ing to planes falling out of the sky.
I planned that if I were ever on a plane, and it began hurtling to the earth, that if I could just make my way to the door of the plane and jump out just before it crashed, I would make it and save myself from certain destruction.
The problem is, of course, that I am going in the same direction as the plane. I am going the same ve-locity as the plane. I am in the plane! At that point, it would be impossi-ble to change my course. I am going too fast and have gone too far.
will be rapid ones. It is entirely possible that many people plan to “get right” before the Lord comes. But they will be found unready and ill-prepared, and the door will be
are “ready.” Oh what a sad scene! What a catastrophic waste! “Too late!” will be the cry, “too late!” Those mournful words will never leave
and our Father. But I praise God that it doesn’t have to be that way. We can “abide forever” if we will just be willing to do the will of God now!
It brings to mind the pernicious tradition of having a “bachelor party” the night before the wed-ding. The groom is to party and have his last night of “fun” before he gets connected to the old “ball and chain.” What kind of mes-sage does that send to the bride? If you have made the commitment to get married and be “one” the rest of your lives, why would you, right before the supposedly joyous event, spend your last night having
“fun”? Wouldn’t the idea be that
and then the “fun” would begin, or continue, for the rest of your lives?
Yet, are we doing the same to Jesus? Are we wanting to have our last bit of “fun” before we commit to Him wholly? How do you think Jesus feels about that? How genuine is
As our verse indicated, the world and all its lusts are going to pass away. Will we pass away with it? In mercy, the Lord still keeps the door open. How much longer we do not know, but the signs are obvious.
Jesus has done, and is doing, so much for us, even now in the heav-enly sanctuary above. Let us not show Him that we simply want to get on board before it is too late. Let us show Him that He means every-thing to us, and that we want Him in our hearts and lives right now!
Will you join me in a dedication, or re-dedication, right now? Let us take the time, right now, on our
know that we really want to spend the rest of our lives with Him.
Joe Olson serves as the executive director and chairman of the board of Hope International. He also travels as an international speaker.
The World Passeth Away
2 Our Firm Foundation
page 2Editorial
Table of Contents Volume 20, Number 8 August 2005
L e a S m i t hWhat will God say when He delivers His people?15Seven Times
P a r t 1 E l l e n G . W h i t eHow do we show that we are the true brethren of Christ?
4Brotherly Love Needed
P a r t 3 Va n c e F e r r e l lNine steps for a successful reformation.9How to Bring Our Church Back
E l l e n G . W h i t e“When these words are believed and lived, the church will have a heaven below to go to heaven in.”
7A Message to the Church
P a r t 2 R u s s e l l & C o l i n S t a n d i s hSubtle errors that undermine the authority of Inspiration.
12Revelation, Inspiration & Ellen White
P a r t 1 A n o n y m o u s“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour.”
17The Ministry of Reproof
page 20Glimpses of the Pioneers
page 22Echoes of the Pioneers
page 26News Watch
page 31Letters to the Editor
Our MissionIt is the mission of Hope International and the editors of Our Firm Foundation to clearly present Christ and His truth. The days remaining for this world are few, and we must work quickly. We must boldly proclaim the historic truths of
in the midst of this troubled world.—Editors
Executive Director: Joe Olson [email protected]
[email protected] Bookstore Manager: Celeste Morais [email protected] Hope For Health Center: Tony Morais [email protected]
: Gary Foster [email protected] Layout: MontanaDigitalCreations.com
Our Firm Foundation is published monthly by:
Hope InternationalP.O. Box 220Knoxville, IL 61448 USA
Phone: (309) 343-1844 Monday–Thursday: 8:00AM–5:00PM, Central Time Friday: 8:00AM–12:00PM , Central TimeFax: (309) 343-3721Email: gWeb: ://www.hopeint.org
About Hope InternationalHope International is a lay ministry founded,
church in the proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel in every way that is consistent with the principles of God as revealed in Inspiration.
Invitation to WritersWe are accepting article-length manuscripts (750 to 3000 words) for possible publication in Our Firm Foundation. We prefer that submissions be
or on paper. Please address all correspondence to Editors, Our Firm Foundation, PO Box 220, Knoxville, IL 61448, or by email to [email protected].
Subscription Information:
Shipping & Sales Tax:
Copyright © 2005 Hope InternationalContent credited in this publication is the property of its respective owner(s), and is
licensed or used with permission. Other items are the property of Hope International.Cover Illustration: © Photos.com
Hope International does not solicit tithes; however, we are a tithe-worthy organization and accept tithes. We use the tithe only for the gospel ministry. Donations designated “Gospel Ministry” will be considered tithe.
The Lord and the intelligences of heaven are looking upon the church that has been fa-
vored with great light. If the people who have heard the truth for this time, walk in the light as Christ is in the light, they will have the
-ened and subdued, and they will be meek and lowly of heart, like
them, “By their fruits ye shall know
They will love their Redeemer
all those who love Him, and who follow His precepts. They will not mount upon the judgment-seat, to judge their brother’s motives and work, because they will remember that Christ has bidden them, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Verses 1–2.
-mising, and ready to speak evil of their brethren in the truth, ready to weigh others in their own scales of human opinion, and place their es-timate upon those of whom they re-
understand why such action is out of place, drink in the spirit of the ac-cuser, go to the polluted fountain of suspicion and distrust, and turning from the course justice marks out, are guided by some one’s hearsay of another’s action or character.
By this course God’s Holy
distrust and suspicion; for they are led to speak evil of those who stand
do their accusers. Are we to take reports, hearsay, as if they were ver-ity and truth? Are we not to rebuke the talebearer who would make a condemned brother’s course appear as bad as possible?
The true brethren of Christ are those who guard the interests of
their brethren and sisters. How in-appropriate it is to condemn others, when every soul is to be saved, not on his own merits, but by the merits
accountable to God for our words,
Qualifications of a ReproverO that the mercy and love of
God were cultivated by every mem-ber of our churches! O that broth-erly love might be revived, never to wane, but to grow more and more fervent! It is true that words of admonition and counsel are fre-quently needed in the church, but they are never to be given by those
distrust, who are eager to weigh others in the scales of their own opinions.
No one can do the work of reproving and counseling in the way that Christ would have it done,
and love. We are near the end, there is no time to waste in educating ourselves in the line of accusation of brethren, and we are not to take up a reproach against our neighbor. Deal tenderly and graciously with every soul, and especially deal tenderly with those who are liable to err. They, of all others, need your help the most. Never take up a report against a brother or a neighbor, or harbor evil surmisings against him. Thou shalt not imagine evil in thy heart against
Zechariah 8:17.
No one can do the work of reproving
and counseling in the way that
Christ would have it done,
Brotherly LoveNeeded
Part 1H o w d o w e s h o w t h a t w e a r e t h e t r u e b r e t h r e n o f C h r i s t ?
E l l e n G . W h i t e
Phot
o: ©
pho
tos.
com
4 Our Firm Foundation4 Our Firm Foundation4 Our Firm Foundation
The powers of darkness will as-sault every soul, but let us not join with the evil one in his work, and deal with severity to discourage and dishearten the weak and erring. Let us be pitiful, compassionate one
out from us to heal, to bind up, to establish, rather than to wound and to uproot.
There is altogether too much haste in doing what is called “the
which we think is justice, the Lord writes in His book as oppression. The vows we take on entering the church either mean what they say, or they mean nothing. Let us love one another, be kind and courteous.
appeared before God if we had manifested an appreciation of the labor that has been done among us.
Those who have not had the
may look back when some mistake is apparent, and say, “How much
-terprise have been carried on;” but it may be that had they been placed in similar circumstances to those of the one they think erring, they
as well.
Prejudice vs. UnityPrejudice is a terrible thing in
the sight of God. It was prejudice
Let us as a people put away all prejudice; for it blinds the mind, and makes men incapable of doing justice to those they imagine blame-worthy. It will cause men to sit in judgment upon brethren whose in-most souls they cannot read, and if they could, would not understand. Instead of creating discord, of judging others, we need to bind the members of our churches together by the cords of strong brotherly love in heavenly union.
If a brother is halting, it is a great sin to set his case before the brethren in a discouraging light, and set others on his track, that they may discover his many frailties.
altogether out of harmony with the
for the faults of our brethren, let us seek for every redeeming quality,
to the one who needs his hands up-held, his feeble knees strengthened.
Let us, brethren, make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Instead of drawing apart, let us press together as never before, working shoul-der to shoulder. There must be no discordant notes struck now, there must be no alienation. We should present to the world a united front, and make it manifest that we are one in Christ Jesus, one with the brethren, bound in covenant rela-tion, under obligation to answer the prayer of Christ to be one in Him
as He is one with the Father. Then we can counsel together because the love of Christ is in our hearts, we can pray one for another, and claim the promises of God. We could then feel secure in the love of our breth-ren, and know that upon turning our back, we would not be stabbed with some evil report or judgment.
God desires that we should
for another, and as dear children in His family, we need to have the pure love of Christ. O, shall not the
-ness and unseemly fruit be ban-ished from our hearts, that we may cherish the heavenly plant of love? As mature Christians we shall love more and more, not less and less.
We need the warmth and glow of Christ in our cold, stony hearts. We want our hearts broken by the
love of Christ, and then we shall defend the characters of those who are giving their lives to the service of Him who has died for them. We shall not then act the part of accus-ers, and treat our brethren and their labors as worthless. Let us daily pray that we may be led to a higher plane of thought and living, that we may love in sincerity and Christlike deeds.
Qualified to Care for His Sheep
We are to watch for souls as those that must give an account. Instead of criticizing, pray for deliverance from this evil habit; for while our time is occupied with this kind of doing, souls for whom Christ died are perishing, whom we might save. Many are starving
for the bread of life, and there is no time for accusing the brethren; rather pray one for another that ye may be healed, and go forth to seek and to save the lost and wandering sheep. Find the erring, discouraged ones by careful, diligent search, and bring them back to the fold.
Christ has said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John
-nection with Christ, and become “laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Work with self hidden in Jesus, and the Lord will add to the church such as shall be saved.
give wisdom to the under shep-herds, that they may become living, working agents for His use. Let
God cannot commit His sheep and lambs to
the care of a church who make it manifest
that they have no aptitude or wisdom to care
5Volume 20, Number 8 5Volume 20, Number 8 5Volume 20, Number 8
them not seek to exalt themselves,
They will then be partakers of the riches of the grace of Christ, which passeth knowledge.
God cannot commit His sheep and lambs to the care of a church who make it manifest that they have no aptitude or wisdom to care
-ue; for we may have high thoughts
though we are, through a vital connection with Christ we yet may be renewed in knowledge and
glory and image of our Creator and
for His sheep and lambs. Not only have the sheep and
lambs been dealt with in hardness, but even the shepherds themselves have been treated with reckless disregard. They have been spoken of in a way that shows that many in
courtesy to give to God’s ordained ministers.
The churches themselves have been educated in such a way that
those who preach the Word of God, and who for years have given full proof of their ministry. But this way of dealing with the ministers and with the members of the family of God must be changed. The blessing of God cannot rest upon those who
-ers together with Him.
My brethren, I charge you to
your hearts that they shall not be recipients of evil seeds of suspicion and distrust, and open your hearts
Righteousness. In the fold of Jesus Christ the
sheep and the lambs are to be gath-
wolves. Those who come newly into the faith are to be encouraged
in the ministers who walk worthily
be fed with the sincere milk of the Word, that they may grow thereby.
We are waiting for the coming
heaven, with power and great glory. This faith distinguishes us from all other denominations, and as those who wait for the Lord, let us put on “as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kind-ness, humbleness of mind, meek-
another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:12–15.
Review and Herald, October 24, 1893.
Ellen G. White, 1827–1915, received the spiri-tual gift of prophecy, and the fruits of her life and work accord with the biblical tests of a true messenger of God. To this
day, her counsels are an incalculable bless-ing to God’s people around the world.
A Better Country
that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
This old world is not my home,
know;
Where peace, joy, and eternal
No more trials and temptations; No tempter to hurt or kill;
Not one will say, “I’m ill.”
No more care, worry, and sorrow; No sadness, guilt, or fear;
No sighing, crying, and weeping; For Jesus will dry all tears.
No more death, sin, and sinners; No strife, hatred, or war;
All troubles will be o’er!
Yes, this old world will pass away For the Bible tells me so;
But my home is in an “heavenly country”; Where Jesus dwells I long to go!
—Reginald Holden, 2005
Phot
os: ©
pho
tos.
com
6 Our Firm Foundation
Koranteng-Pipim, Samuel, et allHere We StandThe authors of this book are Seventh-day
Adventist men and women who are willing
to take a stand for sound Biblical teaching
and practices. Here we Stand offers a Biblically
compelling response to some of the new trends
in the church: new methods of church planting
and church growth, new questions about our
doctrines, new views on Creation, new styles
of worship and music, new issues on marriage,
new changes in local church leadership, and
new structure for the church.
PaperbackBEKS-HWST $16.99
Nelson, Frederic P.Evolution DissectedEvolution Dissected separates biological evolution
into distinct categories and examines the
characteristics of each category—both of which
A must-read for all high school and college
Paperback, 8½ by 11, 117 pagesBENF-EDIS $13.99
Quevedo, Jane AllenThousand Miracles Every Day, AThis book contains a selection of stories of
miracles that shaped the mission and history of
Adventist hospitals around the world—stories
of “happenstance,” perseverance and a deep
well of divine providence.
Paperback, 268 pagesBEQJ-TMED $6.99
Wilkinson, Benjamin G.Answers to Objections to Our Authorized BibleWhen B.G. Wilkinson published Our Authorized Bible in 1930, several anonymous
authors voiced their objections in writing. Now
you can read their objections and Wilkinson’s
response for your study.
Two 8½ by 11-inch paperback booksBEWB-ATOT $14.99
BiblesGod’s WordGiant Print BibleGiant print King James Version reference Bible,
with promises, miracles, prophecies of the
Messiah, prophecies of the Second Coming of
Christ and end-of-verse references.
Leather-boundBEGW-GPBI $59.99
OutreachBatchelor, DougBook of Amazing Facts, Vol. 2, The
and obscure trivia that you can use to share
the gospel in a unique light—whether you’re a
seasoned pastor or a beginning Bible worker.
PaperbackBEBD-BAF2 $8.99
HealthBraunstein, Mark M.Sprout GardenIn this “Indoor Grower’s Guide to Gourmet
Sprouts” you will learn to grow over 50 kinds
of healthful sprouts in your own kitchen. Has
all the latest information on sprouts, sources
for sprouting equipment and seeds, and a
great collection of delicious recipes.
Paperback, 145 pagesBEBM-SGAR $10.99
Calbom, Cherie / Keane, MaureenJuicing for LifeEating fresh fruits and vegetables can boost
your energy level, supercharge your immune
system, and maximize your body’s healing
power. This book presents a safe, effective, and
natural way of achieving better heath.
PaperbackBECC-JFLI $10.99
Jugos Para una Vida Saludable[The Spanish edition of Juicing for Life]
PaperbackBSCC-JPUV $11.99
Ferrell, Vance / Archbold, Edgar E., M.D. / Cherne, Harold M., M.D.Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, TheAs disease increases and conventional
treatments fail, this book is a welcome
assistance to the world’s need of caring for
and treating the body according to God’s plan.
Take advantage of the tremendous amount of
work that has been done to make this beautiful
volume that deals with everything from
coughs to cancer!
Hardcover, 840 pages, 2004BEFV-NREN $64.99
Enciclopadia de los Remedios NaturalesThe popular Natural Remedies Encyclopedia is
now available in Spanish!
HardcoverBSFV-ERNA $64.99
29Volume 20, Number 8
Olson, RoxieArt of Delicious Raw Cookery, TheThis totally raw food recipe book teaches
how to prepare foods in the most simple and
sugar, animal products, or processed super-
market foods.
Spiral notebook, 8½ by 11, 194 pagesBEOR-AODR $12.99
CookbooksPickle, Julianne100% Vegetarian
of real people. It makes 100% vegetarian food
affordable, attainable, delicious, and easy to
prepare. All ingredients can be found in your
local grocery store!
Spiral Bound, 124 pages, 1990BEPJ-1VEG $6.99
Herbs & OtherProducts
Activated Charcoal
traps unwanted materials and gas in its many
small cavities or chambers. This is something
you don’t want to be without in any home!
125 Vegicaps
HXNE-ACVC $13.99130 tabletsHXNE-ACTA $11.99
Aloe Vera Gel & JuiceAloe Vera Gel & Juice blend contains
high amounts of aloe nutrients including
Vera is that it will calm an upset stomach and
also act as a natural laxative.
Wild Berry Flavor, 1 liter (33.8 oz), 65% Pure Aloe
HXNW-AVGJ $7.10
Anabol-Loges
people who suffer from age-related back pain,
damage discs, degenerative and rheumatic
complaints, and osteoporosis.
100 capsules
HXDL-ANAB $37.40
Antioxidant ComplexA combination of several powerful
antioxidants into one convenient formula for
those who want the best protection against free
radical damage.
60 capsules
HXNS-ACOM $24.00
BilberryBilberry Extract is standardized to 25%
anthocyanins to support visual adaptation to
light and also help maintain normal nighttime
vision.
90 capsules
HXNW-BILB $22.00
Subscription, Shipping, and Sales Tax Information Subscription InformationUnited States:Canada and Mexico:
yearForeign (Surface Mail):
per year, (shipped quarterly)Foreign (Air Mail):
yearLarge Print Edition:
yearAudio Edition:Foreign Audio and Large Print
Editions: Please inquire regarding postage.
Subscription AssistanceWe strive to keep our subscrip-
tion prices as low as possible. We want this material to be available to
requested amount, please send what-ever you can.
Those desiring to assist in pro-viding subscriptions for individuals
Hope International. Your donations are tax deductible.
Shipping, Sales Tax, CurrencyFor all products advertised in this publi-cation (unless otherwise noted):• USA destinations: Please add 15% ship-
• To Canada: Please add 20% shipping
• To other destinations: Please add 30%
• If actual shipping charges are greater,
Sales tax: Illinois residents, please add 6.5%. Washington state residents, please add 7.8%.
All money received must be in US funds, drawn on US banks.
30 Our Firm Foundation
Letters to the Editor
Thank you for sending me the complimentary copy of Our Firm Foundation magazine. I am sending my subscription. The articles from
-ful; I read them thoroughly.
May God bless your ministry. Please include in your prayers my family, for a closer walk with the Lord.
PG, Illinois
I have received the magazine for years. I and my wife love it and agree with the principle con-tained therein. We want to help you in your endeavors to reach our people.
DK, Indiana
You guys are doing a won-derful job! I love the magazine; it truly inspires me. It draws me closer to the Lord—that’s how I know the Lord is in it! Please keep the faith, brothers!
BM, Illinois Please send me the book James
White by Virgil Robinson. I have enclosed payment. I love to read the Our Firm Foundation you put out!
MW, Kansas
Thank you so very much for sending me the trial Our Firm Foundation
please have a recent one? PM, California
May the Lord bless you in the work you are doing for Him. You are in our prayers. Please pray that my business would grow for His glory so that we can give more to the work of spreading the gospel. May each of you be blessed.
TA, Washington
My husband and I have read a complimentary copy of your magazine Our Firm Foundation (April 2005) from cover to cover and were very impressed with it.
minutes ago and told the lady we would love to subscribe but
$10 and told me to put a check in the mail. We shall look forward to your magazine each month.
MW, Texas
We really truly do enjoy and appreciate the Our Firm Foundation. We are on a really
order this, but we have appreci-ated receiving it in the past. If it is possible, I would be grateful
-sage. Thank you.
RR, Pennsylvania
Keep working for the Lord by the grace He gives. Do not let the enemy gain back any won ground. You are in our prayers. As always, Our Firm Foundation is a real blessing to us.
Jesus be with us always, and give us His wisdom so we can be heavenly wise unto all things pertaining to our salvation and that of others.
ML, Washington
Intense Bible study was my passion even before conversion
church. When convinced that Adventism was Bible truth, I encouraged others to join the
baptism. That was three decades ago.
Now, as an employee in an Adventist institution and living in an Adventist community, I see and hear the “New Theology”
down, and it lacks true spiritual energy in depth and in its adher-ents, and it is as disgusting to me as lukewarm water.
copy of Our Firm Foundation, I rejoiced that the strong, vibrant,
teachings are being proclaimed once again!
Fellow workers, keep the faith; publish the truth!
Anonymous
I love the magazine. I get such a blessing and so much infor-mation. When I’m done reading them I pass them along to my friends. I can’t wait to get the next issue!
AK, California
Have you received my check for my subscription renewal? I love the magazine and don’t want to miss a single issue!
WJ, Georgia God bless each one of you as
you labor so faithfully for our
AF, Florida
31Volume 20, Number 8
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PaidNW Mail Services
Hope InternationalP.O. Box 220Knoxville, IL 61448
Change Service Requested
CDs, DVDs, MP3s, songbooks, cookbooks, herbs, charcoal, clay, ties, mag-
nets, cards, shirts, pictures, bookmarks, and much, much more, online!
Browse our catalog online, at your leisure and when it is convenient for
you! You can even make donations and never have to write a check!
We have
You can order and
or any other time you choose, and it will be sent directly to you, and you
never have to even pick up the phone. It has never been more convenient!
Just go to www.hopeint.org
of the screen and spend all the time you wish. Tell all your friends!
We look forward to serving you!
Fabulous News!